Books Archive – Page 8 of 18

Changing the Game

Norm Phelps has long been one of the leading theoreticians, historians, and strategists of the animal advocacy movement. His new book collects his recent writings on this subject, as well as offers in print for the first time a fully revised and updated version of the e-book he published with Lantern in 2013 (978-1-59056-379-3). Phelps argues that faced with the overwhelming wealth and power of the animal exploitation industries, animal activists are like David trying to stand up to Goliath. But rather than following the unsuccessful strategies of the past, Phelps proposes that we change the game by adopting David’s strategy of refusing to play by Goliath’s rules. Additional essays explore class and race in animal advocacy, the place of public policy vs. private morality in creating social change, and the unyielding barrier of human exceptionalism.

Trenchant, wise, and deeply committed to the reduction of suffering and the liberation of animals, Changing the Game is sure to offer animal advocates much food for thought as the movement charts a way forward for all sentient beings.

We Animals

A chronicle of the lives of hidden animals and animal photojournalism, spanning many countries over the course of fifteen years.

Celebrating ten years since its publication, We Animals illustrates and investigates animals in the human environment: whether they’re being used for food, fashion, and entertainment, or research, or are being rescued to spend their remaining years in sanctuaries. Drawn from thousands of photos taken over fifteen years, award-winning animal photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur offers insight about our treatment of animals, makes animal industries visible and accountable, and widens our circle of compassion to include all sentient beings. This new edition includes a foreword by Jo-Anne McArthur and new photographs.

“My goals have always been to educate people about our treatment of animals. To reduce their suffering. To widen our circle of compassion to include non-human animals. To make animal industries visible, and accountable.”—Jo-Anne McArthur

Drawn from thousands of photos taken over fifteen years, We Animals illustrates and investigates animals in the human environment: whether they’re being used for food, fashion and entertainment, or research, or are being rescued to spend their remaining years in sanctuaries. Award-winning photojournalist and animal advocate Jo-Anne McArthur provides a valuable lesson about our treatment of animals, makes animal industries visible and accountable, and widens our circle of compassion to include all sentient beings.

“Powerfully disturbing. These images take us to dark and hidden places visited by only a few determined and courageous individuals like Jo-Anne McArthur. They reveal the secret practices that many people will not want to know about. For the animals’ sake, I beg that you will not only look but feel. For if we truly understand their suffering then, surely, we shall no longer condone it. And the heart-warming images at the end of the book show us the road to compassion.”—Dr. Jane Goodall, primatologist and author, Reason for Hope

“To look at Jo-Anne McArthur’s gorgeous, heart-breaking photographs is to be reminded of the dignity and worthiness of all living creatures, and to be awakened to the vast, redemptive power of empathy.”—Barbara Gowdy, author, The White Bone

“This is a work of grace, direct from the soul. This groundbreaking book emanates integrity, hard work and a cosmos of empathy. May there be a tectonic shift of consciousness in our lifetime. For the Ghosts.”—Liz Marshall, filmmaker, The Ghosts in Our Machine

How to Create a Vegan World

In this thought-provoking book, Tobias Leenaert leaves well-trodden animal advocacy paths and takes a fresh look at the strategies, objectives, and communication of the vegan and animal rights movement. He argues that, given our present situation, with entire societies dependent on the use of animals, we need a very pragmatic approach. How to Create a Vegan World contains many valuable ideas and insights for both budding advocates for animals and seasoned activists, organizational leaders, and even entrepreneurs.

“Tobias Leenaert’s writings are consistently some of the sharpest and most perceptive material in the animal protection movement’s literature. His advice gives activists the tools to play a decisive role in ending the era of industrialized animal exploitation.”—Erik Marcus, publisher of Vegan.com

“As religious, political, and dietary dogma enjoys a heyday, How to Create a Vegan World offers pragmatists a welcome haven. With research supporting his position, the author contends that in valuing both small changes and sweeping ones, we can build, rather than bulldoze, our way to a compassionate and sustainable world.”—Victoria Moran, author, Main Street Vegan, and director, Main Street Vegan Academy

“Tobias Leenaert has a unique and practical point of view on all things vegan that cuts through the issues like a knife through a firm cake of tofu. He is not afraid to challenge common misconceptions and norms with his penetrating, fact-based reasoning. Always independent and illuminating, we count on activists like Tobias to lead the way towards a vegan world.”—Seth Tibbott, founder and president, the Tofurky Company

“How to Create a Vegan World is a must-read for anyone who wants to maximize their impact to make the world a better place for animals. Tobias Leenaert synthesizes a wealth of research with his own extensive experience as a vegan advocate to present clear arguments and practical tips for effective vegan advocacy. I highly recommend this book!”—Melanie Joy, PhD, author, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, cofounder and codirector, Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy

“Tobias Leenaert is one of today’s most important writers regarding animal issues. Probably his greatest strength is his ability to stay focused on what will actually help animals in the real world. Especially in this time of social media and filtered feeds, it is incredibly easy to focus on what is popular with people who are already vegan. Tobias, however, looks beyond his likes and retweets, and instead stays focused on the bottom line—reaching new people with the message of compassion.”—Matt Ball, author, The Accidental Activist, and coauthor, The Animal Activist’s Handbook

“If the meat industry had to pick one book they don’t want you to read, this would be it.”—Sebastian Joy, founder and director, ProVeg International

“Big-hearted and level-headed Tobias Leenaert shows us how we need both idealism and pragmatism in the animal rights movement, and that we can make greater, more strategic strides in through collaboration, inclusiveness and meeting people where they’re at. Listen to Tobias.”—Jo-Anne McArthur, photojournalist, author, We Animals and Captive

“Tobias Leenaert makes a very convincing argument for why a ‘food first’ approach should be an essential part of the strategic toolbox of the animal advocacy movement. A refreshing, compelling, and ultimately very positive book that should be read by everyone who wants to help animals.”—Bruce Friedrich, executive director, The Good Food Institute

“Drawing from the research on successful behavior change as well as his own extensive experience, Tobias Leenaert has created an essential tool for anyone who wants to change the world for animals. How to Create a Vegan World is thoughtful, pragmatic and provocative. It’s also packed with useful tips that are likely to make your advocacy more effective than ever.”—Virginia Messina, MPH, RD, author, Vegan for Life, and coauthor, Even Vegans Die

“Tobias’ pragmatism in this book is refreshing. Any method that leads to reduction of used resources, greenhouse gas emission and animal suffering, should be pursued. Personally, and to illustrate Tobias’ points in this book, as a habitual meat-eater, my inclination to become vegetarian or vegan is boosted more by eating in a spectacular vegan restaurant, having a vegetarian daughter and meeting rational people like Tobias, than my professional endeavors or my encounters with proselytizing vegans.”—Mark Post, creator of the stemcell based hamburger

“Through a rational, strategic approach, this book shows the reader how we can all play a part in ending factory farming and sparing billions of animals from suffering.”—David Coman-Hidy, executive director, The Humane League

“Tobias Leenaert is the meat industry’s worst nightmare: a triple-threat visionary who is also utterly pragmatic and who writes well. His book is stuffed from beginning to end with great advice that’s backed up by research and common sense, and is well delivered. If you care about saving the animals, read it.”—Hillary Rettig, vegan activist and author, The Lifelong Activist

“In a movement charged with emotion, pragmatism can often be overlooked. Tobias takes a critical look at how to create change in our modern society, and his thoughtful viewpoints teach valuable, evidence-based approaches to achieving victories for animals.”—Jon Bockman, CEO, Animal Charity Evaluators

“How to Create a Vegan World is a thoughtful plea for pragmatism in the vegan movement. Drawing on effective altruist principles and social psychology research, Leenaert explores how our biases can blind our advocacy for animals. He makes a powerful case for dropping conventional wisdom and leaving our comfort zone, and instead starting from first principles in our quest to best help animals.”—Lewis Bollard, farm animal welfare program officer, the Open Philanthropy Project

“People don’t do anything when they think they have to do everything. This helpful book provides a practical outline for guiding people to take positive steps and for being the type of activist who asks the question, ‘Do I want to be right or do I want to be effective?’”—Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge

“Written with precision and clarity, How to Create a Vegan World provides sophisticated and unflinching insights that encourage animal advocates to utilize context-driven, unconventional, and often counterintuitive strategies. Tightly-woven layers of thought-provoking ideas champion a broad range of tactics and potential allies intended to sharpen our critical thinking and maximize our impact.”—Dawn Moncrief, founding director, A Well-Fed World

Captive

In recent years, the role of zoos and aquaria as centers for conservation, education, and entertainment has been placed under scrutiny. From the controversy surrounding the confinement of orcas at SeaWorld to the killing of Harambe the gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, questions have been asked about the place, if any, of zoos and aquaria in a world where so many animals need resources and protection in the wild and many other means of learning about the natural world exist.

For more than a decade, Canadian photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur has turned her forensic and sympathetic camera on those animals whom we’ve placed in zoos and we animals who look at them. As with her first book, We Animals (Lantern, 2013), McArthur’s aim is to invite us to reflect on how we observe or ignore one another through the bars, across the moat, or on either side of the glass. Captive is a book that will challenge our preconceptions about zoos and aquaria, animal welfare, and just what or who it is we think we see when we face the animal.

“[U]nusual and at times arresting.”—The Washington Post

“Jo-Anne McArthur’s photographs of haunted and traumatized animals imprisoned for the term of their natural lives for no better reason than that they have a curiosity value for us are infinitely depressing. Taken together, they constitute an indictment of the so-called zoological garden to which there is no conceivable reply.”—J.M. Coetzee, author, The Lives of Animals

“To experience Jo-Anne McArthur’s photography is to absorb the revolutionary idea that the loneliness of a captive animal is our own loneliness—that their confiscation from the natural way of being is our own confiscation from the same. And that perhaps the solution to their existential plight might be the beginning of a solution to our own. Breathtaking, mournful, vital.”—Andrew Westoll, author, The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary

“McArthur sums it all up. We can no longer keep animals like this. Haunting and sad, yet beautifully composed. A must-have book for all who care about animals.”—Britta Jaschinski, photographer

“In her stunning images, Jo-Anne McArthur conveys more than words ever can the injustice of confinement, and the arcane idea that we are lords and they are things.”—Jonathan Balcombe, author, What a Fish Knows

“Captive may have a positive influence on the reader and serve to steer them away from captive animal shows—including dolphins and other whales—and that’s what I like most about the book.”—Ric O’Barry, The Cove, the Dolphin Project

“Captive is a searing reflection of the despair felt by captive wild animals. I hope everyone views the photographs in this great work and dares to recognize themselves in these individuals. We owe it to them.”—Lori Marino, neuroscientist

“As a field ethologist, I’ve been privileged to see animals of all kinds expressing their complex, playful, serious, and fully social selves with their families, friends, and foes in natural settings. McArthur’s beautiful, striking, and utterly shocking photographs show zooed animals in settings where they’re alone, clearly unhappy and depressed, and unable to express their natural behaviors. I deeply hope that what McArthur reveals here will help to close down these prisons and end our objectification of these magnificent sentient beings.”—Marc Bekoff, coauthor, The Animals’ Agenda: Freedom, Compassion, and Coexistence in the Human Age

“The wonder of the work is that it induces that same deep existential hollowness that zoos themselves do, the disquieting sense that, as Rilke, one of the great zoo-visiting poets, put it: ‘the shrewd animals notice that we are not very much at home in the world we’ve expounded.’”—Charles Siebert, author, journalist, poet

Aphro-ism

In this lively, accessible, and provocative collection, Aph and Syl Ko provide new theoretical frameworks on race, advocacy for nonhuman animals, and feminism. Using popular culture as a point of reference for their critiques, the Ko sisters engage in groundbreaking analysis of the compartmentalized nature of contemporary social movements, present new ways of understanding interconnected oppressions, and offer conceptual ways of moving forward expressive of Afrofuturism and black veganism.

“The bold wisdom of Syl and Aph Ko is timely and crucial. They help us re-think the concept of the ‘human’ and the ‘animal,’ calling on scholars and activists to truly understand taxonomies of power. Their feminist sensibilities encourage a deconstruction of Eurocentric understandings of race and species that changes the terms of debates about both.”—Lori Gruen, author, Entangled Empathy

“Aphro-ism is a triumph for anti-racist and animal rights activism! Aph and Syl have created a brilliant framework through which we can integrate all aspects of anti-oppression work. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in dismantling systems of oppression!”—Brenda Sanders, Open the Cages Alliance

“Now, more than ever, is the time to engage in critical thinking and an honest consideration of what is. Reading the work of Aph Ko and her sister Syl within the pages of Aphro-ism will build the perfect foundation needed for activists or anyone wanting to end the oppression of all, by not being the oppressor of one.”—Seba Johnson, Olympian, activist, and vegan since birth

“Aph and Syl Ko’s work has deeply changed my views on activism for the animals. Every time, their work is eye-opening, revisiting the connections between animal liberation and human liberation in a way that is as much critical as constructive and inspiring.”—Frederic Cote-Boudreau, Quebec-based activist, scholar, and blogger

“Aphro-ism is an important read for anyone who is interested in thinking critically and wants to help to not only challenge but change the current dynamic of race and animals in our society. Thanks to these brilliant women of color, I’ve gained a new understanding of systems of oppression and feel less alone in the fight for social justice.”—lauren Ornelas, Founder/Executive Director, Food Empowerment Project

“The Ko sisters are miles ahead of even the most progressive thinkers, with Aphro-ism establishing a theoretical framework and #BlackVegansRock demonstrating its practicability. There’s no better metaphor for the failures of white supremacist capitalism than mortar, since it is the white slime that holds stone together. When the mortar cracks the whole building falls apart. Aph and Syl Ko are the stone. Crack them a thousand times and they remain unbroken.”—Rich Goldstein, Producer, The Daily Beast

“Aph and Syl’s anti-racist and anti-speciesist framework shifts the paradigm of nonhuman and human liberation. Aphro-ism is a revolutionary tool for holistic anti-oppression work that can benefit both grassroots activists and academic scholars.”—Raffi Ciavatta, Cofounder, Collectively Free, and activist

“Aph and Syl Ko are incredible activists and revolutionary thinkers who have influenced the way we approach animal rights and anti-racist activism. Aphro-ism has taught us to view oppression and liberation through a much clearer lens.”—David and Paige Carter, Co-CEOs and Cofounders, The 300-Pound Vegan

“Syl Ko provides a crucial perspective to the movements seeking to secure rights for humans and nonhumans alike. As she so eloquently demonstrates, we should not treat human beings like ‘animals’ any more than we should treat animals like ‘animals.’ Syl’s scholarship challenges us to reassess the standing social order and work toward a more just world.”—Steven M. Wise, Founder and President, The Nonhuman Rights Project

“Aphro-ism is a groundbreaking suite of original essays on the entanglements of race, empire, gender, and species. In their analyses of human and animal oppression, Aph and Syl Ko deliver the trifecta: scholarship that is rigorous, accessible, and deeply important.”—Jason Wyckoff, PhD

“Aph and Syl’s brilliant work is laying the groundwork for an exciting new millennial generation of deeply critical and compassionate thinkers, feminists, and activists. Aphro-ism is helping countless young, hungry critical thinkers navigate through a world of ‘isms,’ make sense of endless contradictions, and come out the other side as more well-equipped, effective, woke activists.”—Richard Bowie, editor at VegNews magazine

“Aphro-ism is paradigm-shattering! Whether your social justice lens leans single-issue or multi-issue, these essays offer razor-sharp critiques of hierarchical foundations and systemic oppression, while also providing frameworks for broad-scale liberation. This book is a vital companion for anyone willing to challenge surface-level ‘connections’ theories in exchange for deep, nuanced insights that have stratospheric potential for creating a more just world.”—Dawn Moncrief, founder, A Well-Fed World

“Aph and Syl Ko have opened my eyes and my mind to the connection between ethical veganism and anti-racism activism. They never fail to inspire and blow my mind with their critical analysis on race and animality.”—Jenne Claiborne, vegan chef, Sweet Potato Soul

“With Aphro-ism, Aph and Syl Ko have added their profound and revolutionary voices to a tradition of critical thinking around liberation, veganism, animal rights, anti-racism, and feminism. This is a sumptuous and necessary read that deepens the conversation and, most importantly, offers another way forward.”—Tracye McQuirter, MPH, author of By Any Greens Necessary

Following Jesus in the Footsteps of Francis

For eight centuries, Francis of Assisi has captured the imagination of generations of spiritual seekers, environmentalists, and people of conscience, well beyond the boundaries of Catholicism and even Christianity. Fr. John Anglin, OFM, a Catholic priest for forty-four years and a Franciscan friar for half a century, reveals how Francis chose a life of living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that everyone, whatever their background, could appreciate. Fr. Anglin explains the spiritual vision of Francis, describes those who came after him, and details how Francis’ vision shapes and inspires the lives of those who would follow Jesus, whether they are members of the Franciscan order or laypeople.

Even Vegans Die

Even Vegans Die empowers vegans and their loved ones to make the best decisions regarding their own health, their advocacy for animals, and their legacy. By addressing issues of disease shaming and body shaming, the authors present a manifesto for building a more compassionate, diverse, and effective vegan community.

Even Vegans Die celebrates the benefits of a plant-based diet while acknowledging that even vegans can get sick. You will learn how to make the health care decisions that are right for you, how to ensure your efforts to help animals will not end after you die, and how to provide compassionate care for yourself and for others in the face of serious illness.

This book offers practical, thoughtful, and sensitive advice on creating a will, mourning, and caregiving. Without shying away from the reality of death, Even Vegans Die offers a message that remains uplifting and hopeful for all animal advocates, and all those who care about them.

“Even people who eat a healthy, plant-based diet, can get seriously ill. That’s why this book is needed. Carol, Patti, and Ginny teach us to live wisely while we are still here, not only by eating well, but also by caring for ourselves and each other. I want to live well and, if necessary, I want to die well, too. If you do also, then start reading.”—From the foreword by Michael Greger, MD

“I really didn’t think that a book about the mortality of vegans would be so beautiful and empowering, but it is. It’s full of sound advice, wisdom, and resources that give you clarity and courage in spite of a culture that prefers to avoid the truth of mortality. It reminded me that it isn’t until we accept our own inevitable death that we can fully live and love ourselves and others as the interdependent, imperfectly perfect animals that we are. This is the most important book I’ve read in a long time, and it will add so much to the vegan cause, community, and canon.”—Marisa Miller Wolfson, Writer/Director, Vegucated

“Even Vegans Die knocked my socks off with its integrity. I was thrilled to read a book by three powerful women telling it like it is! It is so refreshing and easy to read. It is filled with sobering truth and firm, kindhearted advice reminding us that even our fellow vegans deserve compassion.”—lauren Ornelas, Founder/Executive Director, Food Empowerment Project

“Overflowing with compassion and practical wisdom, this book tackles sobering issues of illness, caregiving, death, mourning, and isolation that all people, vegan and not yet vegan, will inevitably confront. Everyone should read this book and reflect on Carol, Patti, and Ginny’s caring advice for living, and eventually dying, well.”—Lori Gruen, author, Entangled Empathy

“A real-life guide to, well: real life, which includes death—despite one’s diet, attitude, or how many times one hears, ‘You don’t look your age.’ Addressing a real problem in the vegan world—that being sick or, heaven forbid, shuffling off this mortal coil somehow makes us ‘bad vegans’—this thoughtful and knowledgeable trio of writers help us in their honest and forthright book to deal wisely with the fact that our days are numbered, and to live with vibrancy and purpose every day we’ve got.”—Victoria Moran, author, Main Street Vegan and The Love-Powered Diet

“Brilliant and inspiring! Carol, Patti, and Ginny have filled a gap in vegan literature with a guide that is as practical as it is powerful. Even Vegans Die helps us navigate many of the challenges we and our loved ones confront as we age. I learned so much from this wise, wonderful, and immensely important book.”—Mark Hawthorne, author, A Vegan Ethic: Embracing A Life Of Compassion Toward All

“Even Vegans Die is a must-read for vegans—an essential and honest reflection on topics that most of us choose to ignore. This book tells us why it is so important for the vegan community to face and embrace these issues.”—Anya Todd, MS, RD, vegan dietitian and animal rescuer

“At sanctuaries, we know better than anybody that everybody dies. We also know that people are most likely to hurt themselves or others when they mistake themselves for superheroes. Even Vegans Die offers a refreshing and essential antidote to all-too-human delusions of invincibility, while also arguing (accurately) that the vegan and animal advocacy movements will become more effective by embracing diversity, including diversity of body size and health experience. As a bonus, the book offers practical advice alongside astute analyses.”—pattrice jones, author and co-founder of VINE Sanctuary

“As a chubby, vegan culinary instructor and cookbook author, I’m hyper-aware of the fact that I don’t fit the bill for selling veganism (‘But you’re not skinny’). And I cringe when some of my culinary students misunderstand that a vegan cooking class is different from a weight-loss cooking class. In an attempt to make veganism sexy, there’s a pervasive message that vegans are skinny, disease-proof and should look 30 when they’re 70. That’s not fair to the incredibly diverse vegans I know—of all sizes, shapes, races, ages, gender identifies, and religions—and it sure doesn’t help the animals. This book is important and it’s done just right. It’s a tool for vegan activists to speak pragmatically about the health benefits (and myths) of a plant-based diet. It’s a guide for dealing with the realty of health, illness and, ultimately, death: death of the people we love, as well as our own. And it’s a call for rational compassion. Hats off to the dynamic trio of authors who tackle this difficult topic with kindness, truth, and hope.—JL Fields, author The Vegan Air Fryer and Vegan Pressure Cooking

“The benefits of a plant-based diet and a healthy lifestyle are underutilized and underappreciated, yet concurrently to some they represent a moral high ground as an impenetrable shield defying risk, chance, and even death. To be sick or overweight or in anyway unrepresentative of an ideal body is deemed unclean and immoral and the fault always lies on the individual. But the research that outlines the benefits of a vegan diet also shows us that disease and death are a part of our lives beyond diet and lifestyle. A range of body types has always existed and will continue to exist and to expect otherwise is detrimental to our collective health. Even Vegans Die is here to remind us that snake oil is not vegan and in order to do the most good we have to accept this reality and act accordingly.”—Matt Ruscigno, MPH, RD, co-author, No Meat Athlete and Appetite for Reduction

“Why is a title as obviously true as Even Vegans Die so provocative? This much-needed book from some of the vegan movement’s most compelling thinkers not only provides insights into this question, it also offers a wide range of practical advice on how to better care for ourselves and our community—and why it’s critically important to do so. Eschewing perfectionism, denial, and blame, the authors present a care-centered lifestyle and model of effective activism based on discerning realism and profound inclusivity. The result is an empowering set of theories and recommendations that embolden people of conscience to create more deliberate lives and more enduring legacies.”—Dawn Moncrief, Founding Director, A Well-Fed World

The Wandering Friar

The Catholic Church is an institution that evokes wonder, curiosity, awe, and reverence, but also hurt, confusion, fear, and anger. Franciscan friar and priest, Fr. John Anglin, OFM, presents a picture of the Church not through its institutional structures, but through the lived experience of the members that he has encountered on his extensive travels during more than forty years of active ministry.

In The Wandering Friar, you meet the rich and the poor; urbanites, suburbanites, and country dwellers; white, black, and brown folks; some of strong faith, others of weak or growing faith—but all of them Catholic. Fr. Anglin also talks his early life and how he came to grow into an exciting and rewarding ministry.